EJ Floreal leaving UK basketball team to compete in track

UK basketball player EJ Floreal, set to be a senior this season, is leaving the basketball team and will compete as a member of the UK Track & Field squad, where his father serves as head coach.

Floreal will have two years of eligibility remaining with the track team and will look to build on a decorated high school track career that found success in both California and Kentucky.

In a press release, Floreal said “First of all I just want to thank Coach Calipari, my coaches and my teammates for the opportunity I’ve had the last three years. One of my goals was to play alongside the best players in the country and to grow and develop, and I think I’ve done that.

“Sometimes other opportunities come along. I want to use my athleticism to truly excel, and after seeing what my dad has done with his track and field athletes, I felt like this was my best chance to be the best version of myself. I want to make something clear: This was completely my decision and my decision alone.

“I know this transition won’t be easy, but I was bred for this. As much as I love basketball, track is in my blood. I’m excited for the next step.”

UK basketball coach John Calipari added, “I’m really happy for EJ and this opportunity to run for his father, who is one of the best in the world at what he does. EJ has elite athleticism and I’m happy for him that he’ll truly get a chance to shine. I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to our basketball program. He was a great teammate, he improved immensely over the last three years and he was a big part of our success.”